Vehicle: 2005 Ford Taurus SE, 3.0L
Complaint: The customer says smoke comes from vehicle when starting.
Cause: Confirmed the customer’s complaint and found smoke coming from the vehicle when the engine was started. Inspected the vehicle and found...

Remember that R-1234yf is only mildly flammable. To become flammable, the mixture of air and refrigerant in a closed area like a vehicle cabin would need to be between 6.5% and 12.3% of the chemical vapor. This mixture must then experience a significant...

The new R-1234yf refrigerant is more than just a new jumble of numbers and letters on a label. For your shop, R-1234yf means several new procedures, a certification and new equipment in order to properly handle these new systems.
Why the difference...

Air ride systems always used to have two diagnostic paths: either the vehicle was riding low or the compressor blew a fuse. Today’s modern vehicles have computer-controlled air ride units at all four corners that can pose a unique diagnostic challenge...

Millions of Ford ­Fusions were sold in the U.S. between 2005 and 2013. When it comes to alignments, it is critical to diagnose the customer first, to find out if their Fusion drifts or pulls, and then to check all of the possibilities for the complaint...

The Titan is Nissan’s full-size pickup. The Titan has had no major brake problems or recalls, and the brakes are fairly easy to service. Nissan had a few teething problems with brake judder on 2004-‘06 models, but this was corrected with better...

While old-school cooling system service often ­focused on coolant leaks and overheating engines, let’s begin thinking “new-school” by looking at modern cooling systems through the eyes of the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor. Coolant temperature...

Customer complains that the parking assistance issues warning sounds for both the front and/or rear of vehicle with no obstacle in range. Water intrusion into sensor holders is causing corroded plug contacts and sensor electrical pins, which results in...

Model: 2006 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan
Customer concerns of “electric coolant fans continue to run after the ignition is switched off” are resulting in unnecessary coolant fan replacements.
It is considered normal operation for the electric coolant...

Bartec USA released its next tool software update for its range of TPMS tools.
This latest tool software release integrates TIA’s TPMS Relearn Chart into Bartec’s TMPS software.
“The TIA Chart is a must-have for any back shop whether general...

Dill Air Controls has launched its new TPMS training and educational videos, supporting three audiences — consumers, technicians and service advisers. The consumer videos are available in shortened versions, and are positioned for the customer waiting...

Kenny Younkins, owner
Ken’s Auto Service Center
Akron, OH
While Ken first said his favorite tool is his fishing rod, he said in the shop he prefers these five:
Snap-on 3/8” Drive Impact Wrench
Mastercool Brake Flaring Kit
Mitchell...

Beginning March 3, FordParts.com users have a great excuse to make frequent visits to the website. Not only should they visit the site for their technical needs and to purchase Motorcraft and Genuine Ford parts, but to fulfill a dream of a lifetime, the company says.

Based on the premise of finding the right tool to get you the right part at the right time, the "Right Right Right Sweepstakes" is designed to show installers and fleet administrators just how easy it is to do business on FordParts.com, and to reward their commitment with an experience they will never forget. The sweepstakes is not open to the general public, but rather for independent installers and fleet administrators.

To enter the eight-week promotion, installers and fleet administrators must register or confirm their registration on FordParts.com. The grand prize winner will win the Ford experience of their choice, done the right way: backstage, from the front row, VIP or behind the wheel. Prizes include a two-day driving school behind the wheel of a Ford Racing Mustang, a NASCAR "experience of a lifetime," tickets and backstage passes for a Toby Keith concert and the opportunity to sit in the “toughest seats on earth” for a Professional Bull Riders of America event.

Entrants can gain additional entries and be entered into the weekly prize drawing by answering a daily trivia question about the benefits of using FordParts.com. Just for answering the question, they’ll earn one entry per day – good for the weekly drawing for an iPad Mini and the final grand prize drawing: one of 10 unbelievable Ford experiences of their choice. If they answer correctly, they’ll earn an additional entry per day – good for the final grand prize drawing.

The sweepstakes is being launched in an effort to help installers and fleet administrators gain awareness of the features on FordParts.com. Beginning on March 3, all registered users of FordParts.com for eight weeks will increase their chances of being the lucky winner simply by doing business on FordParts.com. As registered users, participants also will be able to save billing and delivery information, opt into FordParts.com emails, select their preferred shopping dealer, save and upload multiple VINs for easier searching, save a shopping cart, view and re-order past orders and view the status of pending orders, and ask a dealer a question through the site.

Models: 2014 and prior GM passenger cars and trucks
Some customers may comment about musty odors emitted from the HVAC system at startup in hot, humid conditions.
Cause
This condition may be caused...More

Air ride systems always used to have two diagnostic paths: either the vehicle was riding low or the compressor blew a fuse. Today’s modern vehicles have computer-controlled air ride units at all four...More

The first step in any diagnostic strategy is to figure out whether or not your customer's vehicle actually has a TPMS problem. Any number of things can cause the TPMS warning light to come on or flash....More

While old-school cooling system service often ­focused on coolant leaks and overheating engines, let’s begin thinking “new-school” by looking at modern cooling systems through the eyes of the engine...More

Customer complains that the parking assistance issues warning sounds for both the front and/or rear of vehicle with no obstacle in range. Water intrusion into sensor holders is causing corroded plug contacts...More

The ArcticPRO ACX1280 machine from MAHLE Service Solutions received the “Best Use of Technology” new product award at the 2015 Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide Trade Show. The award...More